Significant Progress Achieved: Left-wing Extremism Affected Districts Reduced to 6, States HM Shah

Raipur, April 1 (NationPress) India has made a remarkable advancement in its quest to eliminate Naxalism, highlighting a major milestone in the path toward a safer and more prosperous nation, announced Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday.

The count of districts heavily impacted by Left-wing extremism has been cut in half, falling from 12 to a mere 6. This achievement reflects the government's steadfast dedication and strategic initiatives, Shah remarked, asserting that as Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned, a strong, secure, and progressive Bharat is gradually becoming a reality.

On his X handle, HM Shah stated, “Today, our nation has taken a major step towards establishing a Naxal-free Bharat by reducing the number of districts most affected by left-wing extremism to just 6 from 12. The Modi administration is dedicated to creating a Sashakt (powerful), Surakshit (protected), and Samriddh (progressive) Bharat through a resolute stance against Naxalism and persistent efforts for comprehensive development. Bharat is resolute in its aim to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.”

HM Shah has outlined an ambitious goal to eliminate Maoism in India by March 31, 2026. He has consistently urged Maoists to abandon insurgency, disarm, and reintegrate into society, providing assurances for appropriate rehabilitation under government programs.

The government is employing a multifaceted strategy, combining decisive actions against extremist factions with extensive development initiatives to uplift affected areas. This dual approach addresses the fundamental causes of extremism while also fostering hope and opportunities for communities historically burdened by violence and instability.

The drive to eradicate Naxalism is not merely a political pledge; it is a national commitment, HM Shah has stated on various occasions.

With a clear deadline of March 31, 2026, the government is mobilizing resources, fortifying security forces, and improving infrastructure in at-risk regions. Roads, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and employment prospects are being prioritized to ensure that every citizen experiences tangible progress.

Union Home Minister Shah is expected to visit Chhattisgarh on April 4 for a two-day engagement, where he will lead a high-level meeting to assess the progress of ongoing anti-Naxal operations in the state, as reported by government sources.

While no formal announcements have been made, sources indicate that HM Shah will also take part in the concluding ceremony of the ‘Pandum Mahotsava’ in the Dantewada district of Bastar.

The Pandum Mahotsava is a cultural celebration of the Bastar tribal community held in Chhattisgarh. He is also anticipated to perform Puja at the Danteshwari temple in Dantewada. Should the review meeting occur, it will be critical for the state in achieving the target of making India Naxal-free by 2026, as set forth by the Union Home Minister.

According to data from the Union Home Ministry, at least 130 Maoists have been neutralized in encounters within Chhattisgarh this year, with over 110 fatalities reported in the Bastar division, which includes seven districts such as Bijapur and Kanker. Additionally, more than 105 Naxalites have been apprehended, and 164 have surrendered in 2025.

In 2024, security forces achieved significant outcomes, eliminating 290 Naxalites, arresting 1,090 individuals, and facilitating the surrender of 881 people. Among those neutralized were 15 high-ranking Naxalite leaders.

Over the last decade, incidents of Naxalite violence have diminished by 53%, from 16,463 incidents (2004-2014) to 7,744 incidents (2014-2024). Similarly, casualties among security forces have decreased by 73%, from 1,851 to 509, while civilian casualties have dropped by 70%, from 4,766 to 1,495.

These statistics underscore the substantial progress made in combating Naxalism and restoring peace in afflicted areas.

Recently, security forces in Chhattisgarh have intensified their efforts against Naxalism, leading to numerous surrenders and neutralizations in encounters.

On Monday, a female Naxalite known as Renuka, who had a bounty of Rs 45 lakh, was eliminated.

In the past 15 months, eight notable Naxalites, including Joganna, Karthik, Nidhi, Sagar, Sudhir alias Sudhakar, and Jagdish, have been neutralized. In 2025 alone, the remains of 119 Naxalites were recovered following various encounters, significantly impacting the Maoists.